The World is a ship with 165 private residences on board

The World is a private residential ship serving as a residential community owned by its residents. The Residents, from about 19 different countries, live on board as the ship travels the globe—staying in most ports approximately three days. Some Residents live on board full time while others visit periodically throughout the year. It is operated by ROW Management, Ltd., headquartered in Miramar, Florida.

It has 165 residences (106 apartments, 19 studio apartments, and 40 studios), all owned by the ship’s Residents. Average occupancy is 150 – 200 Residents and Guests.

MS The World (IMO ship identification number: 9219331) flies the flag of The Bahamas and has a gross tonnage of 43,524 tons. It is 644 feet (196 m) long, 98 feet (30 m) wide, and has a 22-foot (6.7 m) draft, 12 decks, and a maximum speed of 18.5 knots (34.3 km/h). The crew numbers approximately 260.

The ship was the idea of Knut U. Kloster, whose family had a long history in the cruise ship industry. Her hull was built in Landskrona, Sweden, by Öresundsvarvet, and it was then towed to Fosen Mekaniske Verksted in Rissa, Norway, for completion. She was launched in March 2002. In October, 2003, the residents purchased it.

The management company is responsible for operations and administration of the ship, including hiring the employees. The Residents, through their elected board of directors and a network of committees, provide guidance to the management about the ship’s itinerary, finances and lifestyle

The ship has a large living room area (lobby), gourmet deli and grocery store, a boutique and showroom, Fitness Center, billiard room, golf simulator and putting greens, the only full-sized tennis court at sea, jogging track, a spa, swimming pool, and cocktail lounges.

There are six restaurants for dining that also supplement the kitchens or kitchenettes in most of the residences and dining ashore. For on-board entertainment there is a movie theater, library and music performances. In addition to destination experiences (shore excursions), classes have been offered on board in topics such as dance, navigation, language, cooking, arts and crafts, music, computers, and photography. The World provides Internet access in each residence.